One Health Criteria to support decision-making on antimicrobial resistance interventions

A One Health approach is widely recognised as key in addressing antimicrobial
resistance (AMR) and is increasingly reflected in national action plans and global
strategies. However, there is limited practical guidance on how to integrate a One Health
perspective into the prioritisation and evaluation of AMR interventions to support
decision-making.
This article proposes a qualitative framework titled One Health Criteria to support
decision-making on AMR interventions from a One Health perspective. It is based on
assessment and characterisation of the setting where the intervention may be
implemented, enabling early assessment of intervention impact according to outlined
criteria (organised in themes and characteristics). It is a flexible, principle-based
approach to guide AMR intervention planning and decision-making at all stages and
levels, adaptable to diverse contexts. By enabling structured comparison of countries’
One Health profiles, the framework also promotes transferability and cross-learning for
AMR intervention prioritisation.
The authors identify three key themes that influence intervention success in a One Health
perspective: i) ecosystem connectivity within and between sectors; ii) systemic societal
factors, such as governance, policy and infrastructure; and iii) data availability to inform
action.
While this thematic approach supports early prioritisation, it is not a substitute for detailed
analyses or economic evaluations where data permit. The authors aim to provide a
practical tool for researchers and policy-makers to enhance the design and selection of
AMR interventions within a One Health perspective. Future research should focus on
refining the proposed themes and characteristics and developing robust methods to
monitor and evaluate them.